PVM Student Among Future Equine Practitioners Awarded Oakwood Scholarship at AAEP Convention

January 25, 2019

Congratulations to fourth-year Purdue veterinary student Abbie Haffner, who is one of five equine veterinary students selected to receive a $5,000 Oakwood Scholarship, made possible by the generosity of Renee and John Grisham’s Oakwood Foundation Charitable Trust. The scholarships were presented last month at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual convention in San Francisco, Calif.

In a story published in BloodHorse magazine, Abbie, a native of Pendleton, Ind., was quoted as saying, “I am very honored to receive the Oakwood Scholarship through the AAEP.” She added, “While financial support is always greatly appreciated, I am forever grateful to the scholarship committee for realizing and having confidence in my future career goals and aspirations. As a girl who grew up in all facets of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in Indiana, I am very proud and happy to be able to contribute in a new way next year.”

Abbie Haffner pictured with fellow scholarship recipients at AAEP — Purdue veterinary student Abbie Haffner (third from right) is honored with four other Oakwood Scholarship recipients at the AAEP Annual Convention by Dr. Rick Mitchell, AAEP Foundation Chair (far left), and Dr. Nat White, AAEP Past President (far right). (Photo courtesy of AAEP)

Second- and third-year veterinary students pursuing a career in equine medicine and active within any of the AAEP’s 39 student chapters at colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean may apply for an Oakwood Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to equine veterinary medicine. Students interested in applying must also have the support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.

Mrs. Grisham, along with her husband, the famed novelist, owns and operates Oakwood Farm in Covesville, Va. She is an avid horseman and strong advocate for horse health. Among the Grishams’ many philanthropic interests is a dedication to education. “With the help of the AAEP Foundation, I am pleased to offer this opportunity to benefit future equine veterinarians,” Mrs. Grisham said.

The other four Oakwood Scholarship recipients hail from the University of California at Davis, Washington State University, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Calgary. Read more information about this program and other scholarships offered through the AAEP Foundation

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

PVM Faculty Member is among 11 Purdue University Teaching Academy inductees for 2026

Mindy Anderson, PharmD, BS, RVT, assistant dean for Veterinary Technology Programs and clinical associate professor of basic medical sciences, is one of the newest Purdue faculty members to be announced as an inductee into the Purdue University Teaching Academy. The university just announced this week a total of 11 Teaching Academy inductees for 2026, in recognition of their outstanding and scholarly teaching in graduate, undergraduate or engagement programs.

Distinguished Professor of Cytometry Paul Robinson Highlighted as National Academy of Inventors Fellow at Purdue

The Purdue Research Foundation is spotlighting National Academy of Inventors fellows at Purdue whose collaborative, multidisciplinary research is translated into real-world technologies that benefit society. And this week the highlighted faculty member is J. Paul Robinson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Cytometry and SVM Professor of Cytomics in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences, who holds a joint appointment as professor of biomedical engineering in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and serves as director of the Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories.

“Paws Up” for Priscilla Paradise – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we extend our gratitude to Priscilla Paradise, RVT, who is an instructional technologist for our Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program.

In Memory – Jessie Farrington (PU AS-VT ’87)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumna and retiree, Jessie Farrington, of Rochester, New York, on February 14, 2026, due to a difficult recovery from a broken hip. She was just one month shy of her 97th birthday.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Indiana Agriculture at Farm to Capitol Event

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well represented at the second annual Farm to Capitol celebration last week in downtown Indianapolis. Hosted by Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFOF), the event on Thursday, May 7, was held at the Bicentennial Plaza and brought together agricultural organizations, industry leaders, state employees, legislators, and members of the public.

PVM’s Senior Send Off Showcases New Graduates’ Next Giant Leaps

Regardless of the weather, spirits were bright during two special events that heralded the arrival of graduation day for veterinary technician and DVM students in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2026. The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted two Senior Send-off events in the past week to give the new graduates a chance to celebrate their post-graduation plans in the company of classmates, faculty and staff.

Asthmatic Horses Can Breathe Easier Thanks to Purdue Health and Human Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine

A collaboration between the Purdue University School of Health Sciences and the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine will enable horses to breathe easier. In turn, their human owners will too.

“Paws Up” for the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab Students and Trainees – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week a group of Purdue students and trainees in the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab are being appreciated for their clear dedication to their research.

Awards and Presentations Highlight Scholarship of PVM Researchers

The importance of scientific discovery and the research contributions of veterinary students, graduate students, residents, and faculty alike, were recognized during the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual PVM Research Day this spring. During a day long program in Lynn Hall on April 15, PVM scholars shared research findings during lectures and poster presentations, and were honored with awards.